Any of the following symptoms are typical signs of periodontal disease: bleeding, sore and/or sensitive gums; tissue swelling; teeth that are loose or shifting; and chronic bad breath. A family history of gum disease and/or tooth loss can also play a role. Further, some diseases, such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease, are often associated with gum disease. A periodontist is a dentist with highly specialized training in treating gum disease. Treatments include: deep cleaning with regular monitoring; scaling beneath the gum’s surface, and finally, gum surgery. If you have symptoms of periodontal disease, your dentist might refer you to a periodontist or you can contact a periodontist directly. In addition to treating disease, periodontists also perform "gum lifts" for patients who have an excessive amount of gum displayed when they smile. (For more detail, click on Periodontics.)

If you have lost (or are about to lose) a tooth or teeth from periodontal disease, an injury or some other cause, you are a candidate for a dental implant. Dental implants can also be used to support a bridge, thus eliminating the need for a removable partial denture. Further, the can be used to anchor dentures which are loose or uncomfortable. While high-tech in nature, dental implants are actually more tooth-saving than traditional bridgework, since implants do not rely on neighboring teeth for support.

A dental implant is an artificial tooth root that is surgically imbedded into the jaw. A crown or bridge is then permanently affixed onto to the implant via an abutment. Implants are made of various materials. The implants we use at Southeastern Dental Associates are of the very highest quality titanium implants. Implants are today's best alternative to your natural teeth. They support crowns that look like real teeth, and they feel like real teeth because they are anchored securely and permanently. With implants, you can eat and chew again without pain or irritation. For more information, click on Dental Implants.

The so-called "mini implants" are really temporary implants of various materials. Depending on bone quality and treatment options, mini implants may be appropriate.

Here is a typical treatment schedule. First, the tooth is removed (if it is not already missing), its natural root is removed, and the area is thoroughly cleaned. Then, using very delicate surgical techniques, an incision is made in the gum tissues and a dental implant is placed into a controlled site in the jawbone.

The second step is to attach an abutment (a small metal post) to the implant. This step completes the foundation on which your new tooth will be placed. Sometimes, the abutment is attached during the implant procedure. Sometimes, it is attached 8-12 weeks later, when the gum has healed and is ready for a permanent crown.

In either case, a temporary crown can be placed over the implant so the patient is never "toothless". Eight to 12 weeks after the initial implant, the gums will be healed and a dentist can create a permanent crown. This schedule may vary, depending on such issues as tooth location, the anatomy of the bone and the presence of infection. The implant process is generally performed in the office and is painless.

Legally, any licensed dentist can perform implant surgery. However, the surgery is very complex and precise. Periodontists are dentists who have gained additional educational credentials in this field as well as in osseointegration. When choosing an implant surgeon, ask about his/her post-doctorate training in implant therapy and about his/her level of in-office implant experience. Dr. Rubinstein and Dr. Wang both have extensive post-doctorate credentials in periodontics and Dental implant dentistry and have placed several thousand dental implants.

At Southeastern Dental Associates, our success rate with dental impants is well over 95%. No, your body will not reject a dental implant because the implant is made of non-allergenic material. With proper maintenance (cleaning), a properly installed traditional implant should last a lifetime.

There are three elements to a dental implant: The implant itself which, is an artificial root; an abutment, which screws onto the implant; a crown which attaches to the abutment. When more than one tooth is involved, the crown is called a bridge, but unlike a typical dental bridge, it is not a denture and is not removable. Typically, the implant specialist handles the implant and abutment and a general dentist creates and affixes the crown.

In most cases, no, but we recommend you bring a complete list of your medications when you initially visit Southeastern Dental Associates so it can be reviewed. Blood thinners and some chemotherapy and anti-seizure medications shouldn’t be taken during the implant process.

Implant surgery is typically painless. A local anesthesia is administered and the patient is awake during the procedure. Recovery is uneventful and most patients can go back to work immediately or at least by the following day. The implant site will take 8-10 weeks to heal completely but the patient will be wearing a temporary crown during that period. When bone grafting is required, there is some pain, but we do our best to keep our patients comfortable.

If there is severe infection and/or bone loss at the implant site, it may be necessary to graft synthetic or natural bone onto the site to support the implant.

If the implant needs to be located near a nerve or a sinus, extra steps must be taken to make sure there will be no problems. That’s another reason to make sure the person doing your procedure specializes in implant surgery, has extensive training in the field and deals with implant on a daily basis.

Every case is different. At Southeastern Dental Associates, the implant specialist who examines you on your first visit will advise you about the cost of the procedure(s) which will be necessary. With implants, there may be a greater initial investment that with dentures and partials, but the solution is permanent and eliminates the esthetic and comfort problems often associated with dentures. Independent surveys of implant patients show that they felt the investment was worth every penny and would do it again.

No. General good health and adequate bone are the most critical factors in evaluating implant candidates. Implant patients can be in their mid to late teens or in their seventies, eighties and nineties.